Typically, we key in on temperatures as it relates to home comfort, but the humidity levels within your indoor environment play a bigger role than you think. Usually when we hear the word humidity, we think of the impact humidity has when we are outdoors. However, it is encouraged to make sure your house holds a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. What do those levels mean? The air in your house is holding between 30 to 50 percent of the maximum amount of moisture it can hold.
What happens when you have too much or too little humidity?
Too Much Humidity
If you haven’t actually felt it, you have probably at least heard about the influence humidity can have on how the temperatures feel outside. An 80-degree day in one location might feel cooler than an 80-degree day in an environment with more humidity. Humidity can impact the temps in your house as well. If there is too much humidity, it more challenging for your body to monitor internal temperatures.
Dehumidified air feels cooler, so you may be able to set your thermostat at a higher temp and maintain your home comfort, which could also result in energy savings.
Too Little Humidity
While drier air might feel good outdoors, too little humidity also has harmful implications inside the home. Dry air can cause your skin to be itchy and cold and end with sore throats and chapped lips. The amount of static electricity increases too, so you’ll experience more shocks when touching doorknobs and other items.
Lack of moisture can harm the wood around your home, creating cracking and shrinking in your furniture, trim and even floors. The dry air also affects your body’s mucous membranes, enhancing your risk of coming down with colds or having breathing difficulties.
What can you do?
Luckily, there are options to help you watch and manage humidity levels in the home. A smart thermostat can help you assess the air in your home to understand humidity levels. And if you are having difficulties getting in the 30 to 50 percent range for humidity, there are humidifiers and dehumidifiers that can provide additional support.
If you are noticing any of the warning signs mentioned above, or if you want a qualified technician to come out and check out your home’s humidity levels, Solar Air Inc. can help. You can arrange an appointment by reaching us at 954-320-7398. Our experts will answer your questions and help you identify next steps for reaching the best humidity level for your home comfort.